Hamdan Bin Mohammed Celebrates Graduation Of Second Cohort In Dubai Future Foundation's Lead & Design Programme
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the Lead & Design Programme. This initiative by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to empower national talent with design skills focused on future needs. The programme equips participants with creative leadership tools rooted in design thinking methodologies.
The graduation event was graced by several dignitaries, including Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Helal Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that Dubai considers its youth crucial in shaping the emirate’s future. He stressed the importance of equipping them with design thinking skills to foster creativity. This approach aims to develop innovative services that are human-centered within their respective entities. "Developing national talent will continue to be one of our most important strategic priorities in shaping the future of Dubai and the UAE," he stated.
The Lead & Design Programme included 38 participants from both public and private sectors across the UAE. Over 14 weeks, they engaged in interactive workshops, field visits locally and internationally, and lectures on design thinking and leadership development. The programme introduced a wide range of design thinking tools and skills applicable to future strategies.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that design thinking is an essential approach for addressing challenges and improving services. He expects participants to contribute significantly to their teams by enhancing future readiness through identifying opportunities. Participants are encouraged to apply future-focused skills to projects prioritising people’s needs.
The programme comprised several training phases aimed at understanding societal challenges while developing innovative solutions. It concluded with participants presenting projects that proposed improvements in government services, quality of life, environment, education, and empowerment for People of Determination.
Interactive Learning Experience
Subject matter experts guided participants through various scenarios during the programme. They provided insights and hands-on experience in applying design thinking methodologies effectively. The training phases focused on prototyping solutions tailored to societal needs.
Sheikh Hamdan reiterated Dubai's commitment to remaining one of the world’s most future-ready cities driven by creative talent and forward-looking leadership. "We are determined to ensure that Dubai remains one of the world’s most future-ready cities – driven by its creative talent, design-thinking mindset, and forward-looking leadership," he added.
With inputs from WAM
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